El Encanto Golf Club in El Salvador.
El Salvador might just be the world’s new favorite tourist destination. Not so long ago, it was a playground for gang members. Today, it’s a bit different… Known as the land of volcanoes, coffee, and surf, there’s plenty of attraction for those looking to enjoy nature, culture, and local food.
Golfers might assume there’s not a lot for them to do there, but the handful of courses are worth a play. You can play them all if you’re here for a few days—so if you’re planning a trip to El Salvador, don’t leave your golf clubs at home!
Best Golf Courses in El Salvador
El Salvador has 65x more volcanoes than golf courses, but let’s get right down to what golfers really want to know. Here’s a quick overview of each course so you know what to expect when you get there.
Club Salvadoreño
Club Salvadoreño is a social spot. They’re more known for watersports, but they’re also home to a parkland golf course. You will need to be invited by a member, though—you can’t just walk in and play.
It’s fairly flat, so it’s great for inexperienced golfers and it’s a very walkable course. Caddies are mandatory, but you might need them—there are a couple of tricky spots where it helps to have some local knowledge. The signature 15h hole has amazing views over Lake Ilopango!
Club Campestre Cuscatlán
This is another private club, so find a member to take you along if you want to enjoy a round here. It’s the only golf course in the capital city, and features 9 holes which are played through twice for a full round. Bring your best short game to this course—its slope can trip you up quickly if you’re not careful.
If you enjoy more than just golf, you’ll be pleased to know the club has a squash court, tennis courts, a gym, and a sizable pool.
El Encanto Country Club
This golf course is the newest one in El Salvador, built-in 2013. It’s also arguably the most challenging, a mountain course with tricky elevation changes, undulating fairways, some blind carries, and a good many water hazards across the course.
The Gira de Golf Profesional Mexicana held its first international tournament here in 2023, the El Salvador Open Championship.
Golfing Seasons and Weather Conditions
El Salvador has a beautifully warm climate year-round. It’s rare for temperatures to drop below 70°F, but if you don’t want to get your golf shoes wet and dirty, pick your season carefully.
Dry Season (November to April)
Considering temperatures don’t vary much, it makes sense that the dry season is the better choice for golf. You don’t want your round to be rained out or ruined by heavy winds, so hitting the fairways between November and April will probably give you the best weather.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to stock up on sunscreen and stay hydrated. Nothing ruins a golfing trip quite like sunburn and heatstroke!
Rainy Season (May to October)
Rainy season is a little more challenging. You do find the occasional dry day between May and October, but it rains a LOT. If you have no choice but to visit in the rainy season, you might be lucky if you book your tee time for the morning—it tends to rain in the afternoons and evenings mostly.
But that does mean the courses may be muddy and wet when you arrive in the morning. Choose the dry season whenever possible, but if you’re playing during the rainy season, make sure you’ve got good rainy-day golf gear with you.
Best Times for Golfing
The best time to golf in El Salvador is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is most reliable. If you’re flexible and prepared for the occasional rain, early morning rounds during the rainy season can still be enjoyable.
El Salvador’s beautiful landscapes and warm climate make it a great destination for golfers, regardless of the season.
Combining Golf with Other Attractions
As long as you’re in El Salvador, you should definitely make time for more than just golf. The smallest country in Central America has a ton of exciting activities packed into it, so plan for some of these attractions outside of your golf time.
- San Salvador’s Historic District: This is your chance to explore landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Plaza Libertad. If you love history and colonial architecture, this is something you don’t want to miss.
- Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site: Known as the “Pompeii of the Americas,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique visit that you can’t replicate anywhere else.
- El Boquerón National Park: If you’ve ever wanted to visit a volcanic crater, this one is located just outside the city. It’s a great hike with spectacular views.
- Ruta de Las Flores: A scenic drive through charming colonial towns like Ataco and Juayúa, known for their weekend food festivals and local art markets. The area is also ideal for hiking and coffee plantation tours.
- Coatepeque Lake: This crater lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing in a beautiful spot. Enjoy the cuisine at several lakeside restaurants, with a great view and fresh seafood.
- Izalco Volcano: Adventure seekers can hike up this iconic volcano and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike is challenging but rewarding. Take your camera!
- Beach Activities: The Costa del Sol region is known for its beautiful beaches. You can relax by the water, go swimming or surfing, or just catch a tan.
- La Libertad: This coastal town is famous for its surf breaks and fresh seafood market. It’s a great spot for surfing lessons or beachside dining.
Conclusion
There’s never been a better time to visit El Salvador. It might not be flush with golf courses, but it’s an unusual cultural destination with just enough interesting golf courses to be well worth a trip for golfers. If you’re looking for a full-on luxury golf trip, this might not be for you.
But if you’re keen on a beautiful, cultural experience that just happens to include some great golf, then you’re in for a treat in the new El Salvador.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
